Mission (Finally) Accomplished.

Since We Had A Little Fun ...... at the state House's expense in this space yesterday, it seems only fair that we throw 'em a shout-out this morning for last night's property tax reform vote.We could be catty and point out that they could have voted on the Senate conference committee report a month ago and spared everyone some agita.But that would be catty. So we won't do that.More of today's news after the jump.

Speaking Of Tax Reform ...... Republican guberantorial candidate Lynn Swann still doesn't like the plan that lawmakers passed yesterday, even if it means that senior citizens might end up with some property tax breaks.In a statewide conference call with reporters yesterday, Swann again dismissed the compromise reform package, this time saying it's not even "half a Band-Aid," and said his plan to cap taxes and scrap the current assessments system is still the best way to go."I have my plan. And I'm very comfortable with my plan being a real plan for reform and change for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," he said. "You're talking about a minor adjustment."When he was asked whether half-a-loaf might not be such a bad thing for needy seniors (who tend to vote), Swann said, "If you find you're a little older, you might get some relief ... This is a little bit of something, but not much of anything."And, even though House Republicans denied it yesterday, Swann suggested that self-preservation might have had something to do with yesterday's vote."A number of legislators wanted this passed prior to the May 16 primary," he said. "Look at the results of the election. You think the Legislature is a little worried about Nov.7?"Our Vote ...... for the weirdest moment from last night's property tax debate goes to Rep. Bob Belfanti, D-Northumberland, who apparently had some sort of hallucinatory episode where he imagined himself a contestant on the television game show "Deal or No Deal.""Deal? Or no deal?" Belfanti announced to his colleagues, when it to tax breaks for homeowners, though there was hardly a shadowy banker or briefcase-wielding hottie in evidence.Adding to the strangeness, Belfanti then produced a cereal box and announced that it contained 500,000 seniors who would benefit from the tax vote.There is medication for this sort of thing.

More On Swann ...Wrapping up a few loose ends from yesterday's conference call, we learned from Swann that A: He will not be releasing any federal income tax returns from prior to 2005, and that, B: He won't be identifying any of the groups that paid him as much as $30,000 for the privilege of having Swann speechify at them.This revelation came shortly after Swann strongly suggested (but never actually said) that Gov. Ed's twin jobs as an Eagles post-game analyst and poli. sci. prof at Penn constituted a conflict of interest."There is no conflict of interest," he said. "I can't tell you the last time I spoke to a group in Pennsylvania."That may be true, but there are companies outside Pennsylvania that do business with the state as well. And we only have his word that he didn't speak to in-state groups. As for the past tax returns, Swann continued to insist they were off-limits because he wasn't a candidate for public office until last year.Also, Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association boss (and big-time Republican giver) Fred Anton said yesterday that President Bush will be in-state sometime in the next 30 days to do a Swann fund-raiser. A scheduled Bush event in Pittsburgh in August is apparently now off the table.

Gubernatorial Campaign Finance Reports ...... also become public today. Swann said he raised about $1.1 million through June 1. No word on how much cash he has on-hand. We're waiting for the full picture. More as it develops.Democrat Joe Sestak's Congressional Bid ...... against U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon, R-Pa., is apparently more competitive than previously believed. That's according to a new rankings list released by the political insiders' bible, The National Journal.Analysts upgraded Sestak's challenge, saying he's showing momentum while Weldon's showing :"rust."The NJ also says that GOP U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach's 6th Congressional District seat in Chester County is still seriously in play. Democrat Lois Murphy is challenging Gerlach there.

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta ...... has proposed an ordinance that would ban illegal immigrants from living or working in the city and would make English the official language.We're not sure, but we think the language requirement measure may discriminate against the city's native residents (or, at least its leaders).

Thursday's Unnecessary and Unwelcome Hockey Link:There is no joy in mudville, folks. Capitol Ideas' beloved Carolina Hurricanes were listless against the ^$#(*#$(*)( Edmonton Oilers last night in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. The 'Canes could have wrapped it all up last night, but, instead, fell 4-3 to an insanely aggressive Oilers squad that sidelined three Carolina players.The series resumes Saturday in Edmonton.

Current Comments

I'm not sure what Steve means by FOUR votes? At it's zenith, the plans to do "more" only received 96 votes Wednesday evening and HALF of those were from Democrats. It takes 102 to pass the House.

The last time I checked, the Republicans were in the majority in the House AND the Senate. Governor Rendell said he would sign property tax legislation that was sent to him ... unfortunately, only half of the House Republicans voted to do "more" and the Senate Republican Leadership said any plan to do "more" was dead on arrival in their chamber. If Republicans want "more," then they could pass it without any Democratic votes whatsoever. Steve, you can't blame Governor Rendell because the Republicans won't vote YES.

Posted By: Tom | Jun 15, 2006 11:09:18 AM

You have to admit it was a GREAT game! Your Canes played well (except for that sissy pass in their own end in OT that led to the game winner), despite the fact that they spent most of the night killing back-to-back-to-back penalties. When they tied it up in the 3rd, I thought the Oilers would fold. But that's what makes it the Stanley Cup.

Posted By: Bernie | Jun 15, 2006 10:40:53 AM

The House headed in one property tax relief direction. The Senate moved in a totally different direction. The voice from above [Governor Rendell]: "I could sign either." Ok then, both chambers continue along their own paths. The voice from above: "I like what the Senate is doing. I also like where the House is going. I could sign either one." Again, both chambers continue along, both attempting to convince the other that theirs is the better way to go. Unfortunately, both have becoming entrenched in their own thoughts of how it affects their own school districts.

With some actual leadership from Governor Ed Rendell, more significant and more rapid property tax relief could have been attained. You saw how close the vote was. Had the one guy above the parochial ness of personal school districts actually weighed in during the entire process, maybe, just maybe he could have swayed FOUR (4) votes. Four members. Four.

Leadership, that is all people want and expect out of a governor.

House Republican leadership, especially Sam Smith, did everything in our power, but without the "power" of the governor we could not pass more. The votes tonight against "more" and for the minimal, modest HB 39 is a reason PA needs a new leader for this state.

Posted By: Steve | Jun 15, 2006 10:30:28 AM

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